New Canaan, CT - Waveny LifeCare Network recently recognized its many volunteers for their contributions of time and talent throughout the nonprofit organization, including Waveny Care Center, The Village’s Memory Care residence, Waveny’s Adult Day Program and The Inn’s Retirement Community. Many area organizations, including local government, churches and schools were represented, reflecting the deep and enduring ties between Waveny and the surrounding community.

More than 150 volunteers, family, friends, staff and board members gathered together in celebration of the volunteers who serve Waveny throughout the year. Fifty-six active volunteers were recognized for service-hour milestones ranging from 50 to 5,500 hours. In addition to recognizing hours of service, 18 loyal volunteers received awards commemorating their anniversaries of 5, 10, 20 and 35 years of service. A special “thank you” was presented to retiring volunteers Sheila McMann and Chris Snell for their many years of dedicated service.

Stella Clarke, Waveny’s Director of Volunteers, congratulates Inn volunteer, Joan Milliken, who was recently honored for 10 years of service to Waveny. (contributed photo)

Waveny’s President and CEO, Russ Barksdale, and Chairman of the Board, Tom Ferguson, opened the evening’s remarks by praising the positive difference that volunteers make in the lives of Waveny’s residents. “Our volunteers bring the warmth and spirit of our local community into Waveny, and blanket our residents with joy, love, companionship and the acknowledgement that they are still an important part of the town of New Canaan,” said Barksdale. “Volunteers sometimes downplay their work and tasks as simple, or even too small to make a difference. We are here to remind them that they genuinely have a palpable and positive effect on the quality of life and health of our residents.”

Stella Clarke, Director of Volunteers, then presented awards to the following volunteers for their outstanding service-hour milestones:

Clarke applauded the volunteers for their loyalty and dedication. “It is a joy to work alongside you, to see you when you arrive to sign in, and to watch you grow and flourish in your volunteer roles,” she said. “We are so thankful for your enthusiasm and sincere desire to care for others. Thank you for being so kind, responsive, flexible and cheerful. Thank you for weaving volunteering at Waveny into your busy lives; you make a difference every day!”

Volunteers and Junior Volunteers help in a variety of ways throughout Waveny LifeCare Network’s continuum of care. Volunteer roles are tailored to individual skills and interests, with orientation and training sessions provided onsite at Waveny. In addition to providing one-on-one attention, they assist with activities for Waveny’s residents, patients and participants by helping with social hour, afternoon tea, reception, pet therapy, gardening, flower arranging, horticultural therapy, and leading intergenerational programs. Volunteers also help with special projects in the dining, administrative, development and therapeutic recreation departments. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Waveny, please contact Stella Clarke, Director of Volunteers, at 203.594.5334 or SClarke@waveny.org.

Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the varied needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a nonprofit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, memory care and short-term respite care at The Village, and skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, and an array of community-based services through Waveny Home Healthcare and Waveny at Home. For more information, call 203.594.5200 or visit www.waveny.org. You can make a difference in your community.